Barolo, the wine, was born in the 1800s thanks to the insight of a woman, the Marchesa Giulia Falletti of Barolo, a French noblewoman who was used to drinking the best French wines. Following her marriage to the Marchese Falletti of Barolo, with the help of a French enologist,  the Marchesa improved upon the wine making and storage techniques that led to the evolution of the Barolo wine to today’s standards.

It is quite fitting, then, that the future of some of Italy's most respected wine producing estates lay not in the hands of the winemakers “sons”, but rather in the hands of their strong-minded and very capable daughters, whose ambition and skill are redefining the wine culture. In a region like Piemonte, where skilled and legendary winemakers abound, so do women wine producers who are proudly maintaining the traditions and creating legends of their own making.

Similarly, in a region where great food is of paramount importance and not to be trifled with, a whole legion of women chefs is redefining the boundaries of traditional cuisine. It is very fitting then, that in honor of Women’s History Month, Shop Wine and Dine is extremely proud to launch this very exciting and innovative concept, an exceptional food and wine tour featuring the best women winemakers and the best women chefs that Piemonte has to offer!

This amazing journey begins in Torino, the magnificent and elegant capital city of Piemonte. As we explore Torino’s Baroque cafes and architecture, its arcaded shopping promenades and museums, there will be opportunities to savor one of the city’s most revered concoctions, the Bicerin, a mix of the creamiest chocolate and coffee, topped with cream. Where we will experience this heartiest of local specialties is as famous as the drink itself and it is none other than Al Bicerin, an establishment that has been run by women since the beginning of the last century. As it was run by women, Al Bicerin was considered a “safe haven” where women patrons could meet for their afternoon tea or Bicerin without fear of tainting their reputation or being bothered by men, and thus the tradition began. A visit anywhere in Italy must include some “shopping” time and in this fashionable city, style is never overlooked as evidenced by another Torino landmark, Borbonese, a maker of unique exquisite handbags, clothes and accessories that is now in the capable hands of the founder’s daughter Bianca.

Torino’s well-chronicled culinary traditions will be upheld by Loredana Florio of the legendary Tre Galline, perhaps one of the most traditional and oldest restaurants in the city, and Marina Ramasso, who as the chef of Osteria del Paluch is renowned for her skilled use of the freshest herbs and edible flowers to enhance her creations. A walk through Porta Palazzo, the city’s huge open air market and Eatily, a “super” supermarket featuring the best of Italian food products will convince everyone that the “torinesi” consider what they eat and drink one of their top priorities in life.

As we move to the heart of Piemonte’s oenogastronomic mecca, the full impact of women’s contributions will be felt. Our journey will take us to esteemed wine producing estates such as the very traditional Bartolo Mascarello, whose daughter Maria Teresa has been the de facto winemaker for several years but whose 2005 Barolo, the first produced solely under her watch, has garnered accolades and a 3 Bicchieri award. We will also visit the Poderi e Cantine Oddero, now under the helm of sisters Mariacristina and Mariavittoria; their Barolo has taken their own character and style but always with a watchful eye on the traditions passed along to them by their father Giacomo-their Barolo Mondoca di Bussia Soprana 04 has also earned them a 3 Bicchieri award.

Other esteemed estates, such Cascina Castlet’s Mariuccia Borio, who took over the estate in 1970 from her father, produce outstanding organic wines including an extraordinary dessert wine, Moscato Passito Avie`. Bruna Grimaldi took over the family vineyards started by her grandfather after WWII, and for over twenty years she has dedicated her energy and passion into producing Barolos, Barbera and Nebbiolo wines that are winning accolades and recognition from the experts and consumers alike.

Other legendary names such as Gaja and Bruno Giacosa, whose respective daughters Gaia and Bruna are taking their father’s vision to new heights, need no further introductions. Other wine producing estates trace their lineage to some of Italy’s aristocratic families and are now in the hands of their “women” descendants. Such is the case with La Corte Chiusa and Marchesa Barbara Incisa della Rocchetta, who will be our host not only for the visit to her historic cellar, but also for a hands-on cooking class. The preparation of some of the most succulent regional specialties will provide skills and appreciation for Piemontese cuisine that will last a lifetime. The Marchesi Alfieri is another estate that traces its history to some of the most revered poets and statesmen in all of Italy.

Today Emanuela, Antonella, and Giovanna, the three daughters of Marquis Casimiro, the last lord of the Alfieri estate, have renewed the historic wine cellars with modern technology while maintaining their wine-making traditions at San Martino Alfieri.

Our extraordinary experience with Piemonte’s women winemakers will be beautifully balanced by the women chefs whose creations are the perfect accompaniment with this region’s superb wines. Regardless of the restaurant’s style, be it Giuseppina Bagliardi of Gener Neuv, Mariuccia Roggero of San Marco or the revered Lidia Alciati of Ristorante Guido, a Michelin 1*, or the equally superb Clelia Costa of Tra Arte e Querce, Claudia Francalanci of La Contea , Elisa Burlotto of Del Real Castello, they all provide a sublime culinary experience steeped in tradition but with their very own personal interpretation and style.

But a visit to Piemonte in the fall would not be complete without a good dose of white truffle-related activities. A dog-led truffle hunt and a visit to the world famous Alba International Truffle Fair will most certainly round out this Piemonte experience. We certainly hope you will join us in celebrating the Amazing Women of Piemonte! P.S. All men are welcomed too! Program’s Features:

• Accommodations:
     οTorino: Two nights at the centrally located 4*Grand
       Hotel Sitea
     ο Monforte d’Alba: Five nights at the 5* Relais
       Monforte
• Daily breakfast
• Daily lunch including wines as chosen by ShopWineAndDine.
   two of which in conjunction with winery visits at Bruna
   Grimaldi and Marchesi Alfieri. One lunch including shavings
   of White Alba Truffles
• Daily dinner including wines as chosen by Shop Wine and Dine
   including three at Michelin 1* restaurants
• Bicerin and pastries in Torino
• Seven winery visits and tastings*
• Full-day guided tour of Torin
• Half-day guided tour of Asti
• Truffle hunt with dogs
• Visit and aperitif at the historic Gancia cellars in Canelli
• Private car and driver from Sept. 26-Oct. 2
• Services of a bilingual Shop Wine and Dine tour manager
• Hotel taxes and service charges

For price, and additional information please contact: customercare1@shopwineanddine.com or call 973-467-4418

Not Included:
• Airfare and airport transfers to/from hotel
• Meals and beverages not stated on itinerary or substitutions
   to menus or wine selections
• Personal incidentals
• Tips to drivers, restaurants and hotel staff

Day-by-day itinerary with detailed information on all the venues is available upon payment of deposit.

Participation is limited to a small, intimate group of up to 10 clients

Optional extensions to compliment your stay in Italy are available from Shop Wine and Dine

Shop Wine And Dine reserves the right to make minor modifications/substitutions to the itinerary with activities/venues of similar value as those described in the tour description